Big disappointment for Broos

Morocco will now face Cameroon on Friday after the 'Indomitable Lions' got the better of South Africa at Al Medina Stadium across Rabat in Sunday's late game.

Goals either side of half-time by Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane made the difference for Cameroon against a South Africa team coached by Hugo Broos, the Belgian who led the 'Indomitable Lions' to their fifth continental title in Gabon in 2017.

Tchamadeu, the London-born Stoke City full-back, opened the scoring from close range in the 34th minute after a deflected shot fell into his path. Teenage Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane then headed in the crucial second goal two minutes after half-time.

A late rally from South Africa saw Evidence Makgopa pull one back on 88 minutes, but Cameroon nervously held on.

Cameroon, the five-time continental champions, can now go into their quarter-final showdown with Morocco in relaxed mood, knowing the pressure is on the host country.

"I want to savour this victory first of all. The game against Morocco is still a long way away," said Cameroon coach David Pagou, who only took over the team days before the tournament began.

"We suffered today even though we won, and I think we all need a rest." Meanwhile there is major disappointment for 'Bafana Bafana', who finished third at the 2024 AFCON, but they can console themselves by turning their attentions towards the upcoming World Cup.

"We are not going backwards but we do have to make a good evaluation of what happened here at this tournament as we look forward to the World Cup," said Broos.

Junior Tchamadeu

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